Cytotoxic Potential of Mitragyna speciosa as Anticancer - A Review

Background: Herbal treatment has been proposed and researched as an alternative to cancer treatment. One of the reasons contains compounds that have cytotoxic effects. Mitragyna speciosa are known to contain alkaloids and have a cytotoxic effect. Objective: This review aimed to provide information about preclinical studies and investigates the cytotoxicity or anticancer activity of M. speciosa. Methods: Search articles through PubMed, Springer, and Science Direct databases focusing on preclinical trials according to PRISMA guidelines. A database search yielded a total of 206 identifiable studies. Then duplicate removal and feasibility screening were carried out, resulting in 11 studies that were eligible for final analysis. Results: The anticancer potentials reviewed in this study include Neuroblastoma, Leukemia, Colon Cancer, Breast Cancer, Kidney & Liver Cytotoxicity, Glutathione Transferases Metabolizing Enzymes, Alkaloid Combination of M. speciosa & Cisplatin, Alkaloid Combination of M. speciosa & Doxorubicin and Mutagenic-Antimutagenic Activity of M. speciosa. Extracts and dominant alkaloids of M. speciosa have the potential for anticancer neuroblastoma, leukemia, colon, lung and breast cancer. Based on the safety aspect of the mitragynine compound, there is no mutagenic effect on cells. Conclusion: M. speciosa contains the dominant active alkaloid compound, mitragynine. Extracts and alkaloids dominant in M. speciosa have the potential as an anticancer.